Young voters are pushing housing up the political agenda

All the manifestos committed their parties to a much bigger building programme. But Labour gave more emphasis on new homes being affordable and secure.

Those sentiments – unsurprisingly – resonated with younger voters. Yes, promises over tuition fees and guilt at not participating in the Brexit referendum, may have encouraged a change of behaviour. But surely it is the party with the most to offer in housing terms that is likely to hold the greatest attraction for most under-40s.

“Housing could become a dominant political theme in the next general election.”

Ironically, the Conservative proposals for easing pension increases, for means-testing winter fuel payments, and – most significantly – for making housing wealth pay for care costs were intended to tackle part of the current inter-generational divide.

These reforms were brave because they were sure to lose votes: they represented the kind of measures usually announced after, not before, an election! They would have addressed some of the imbalance in financial support between older and younger generations but they are now doomed.

So where does the outcome of the election leave these big housing and care questions?

For older people, the hung parliament removes the fear of paying for home care out of housing equity – a measure that would have stung better-off homeowners with long-term health conditions. Younger people will have to go on covering these costs although some will benefit later on from a bigger housing inheritance. Probably the other ways of getting the retired to contribute more will also be watered down, with the Democratic Unionist Party opposing these policies and all Conservative MPs having a wary eye on some core voters at the next election.

“The real change is likely to come from younger people’s realisation that they have the power to make a difference.”

For younger people, for whom housing remains a big problem, the immediate outlook remains troubled. For sure, housing production will increase; but I worry about the affordability of the new homes, both for those needing housing benefit and for those not eligible for any help.

If Brexit problems hurt the economy (with reduced job opportunities, a lower tax take or higher interest rates) housing output will suffer. In the private rented sector, banning agents’ fees will be popular among young people compelled to move around. And government will do a bit more to drive out bad landlords and improve standards.

Theresa May’s appointment of Gavin Barwell as her chief of staff means there is an expert housing voice at the centre. But these are unsettled times.

The real change is likely to come from younger people’s realisation that they have the power to make a difference. And as politicians get that message, housing could indeed become a dominant political theme in the next general election – which may not be so far away.

Richard Best, chair, All-Party Parliamentary Group on Housing and Care for Older People